The opening session was marked by the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who delivered a speech on the occasion, as well as heads of state from Arab countries.

This conference, which marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Forum, represents an important milestone in bilateral cooperation, with both parties determined to raise their cooperation relations to higher levels.

This meeting is also expected to culminate in the adoption of documents, including the "Beijing Declaration" and the "Forum Action Plan for 2024-2026". These documents aim to further consolidate the China-Arab States consensus and plan in the next phase of cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi will hold a joint press conference with Secretary-General of the Arab League, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The Forum will provide an opportunity to focus on implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of China and the Arab countries, expanding cooperation between the two sides in various fields, while accelerating the setting up of a China-Arab States community of destiny, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Figures published by China's official media reveal that trade between China and the Arab world has grown from $36.7 billion in 2004, the year the China-Arab States Forum was established, to $398.1 billion in 2023. This remarkable growth has consolidated China's position as the Arab world's undisputed leading trading partner for many years.

China has signed cooperation agreements under the "Belt and Road" framework with all 22 Arab countries. This framework has given rise to over 200 large-scale projects.

In addition, cultural exchanges between China and Arab countries are steadily expanding, with ever-deeper cooperation in language learning and teaching, and frequent bilateral cultural events.